About therapy and Dr. Mara Applebaum
My approach to healing is eclectic, drawing from psychodynamic and Jungian therapy, systems counseling, humanistic psychology, mythology and even Buddhist philosophy. A central part of my work is mindfulness — the practice of slowing down and allowing space for the aspects of self that call for tending. This is a very person-centered approach that caters to your specific needs.
I have a master’s degree in applied behavioral science from Bastyr University/LIOS and a doctorate in mythology and depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. I am licensed by the state of Washington as a mental health counselor. Since 2002, my experiences as a psychotherapist, community-agency counselor and psychiatric hospital clinician have connected me with people from diverse cultures, races, classes, religions and sexual orientations. I’ve spoken as a clinical expert for many organizations, including Shepherd’s Counseling Service, Swedish Hospital, Seattle University, La Leche League and Postpartum Support International of Washington. My affiliations include the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study and Good Therapy. I am also a writer and worked as a journalist and editor before transitioning into psychology.
How the work unfolds
We can think of the first few sessions as a time for both of us to see if we are a fit. We will discuss your goals for treatment. Together, we will create a plan for our work, and I will continue to check in with you to see if your needs are being met. Sessions are typically once a week, sometimes twice, depending on your needs.
I ask many questions to help me understand your experience and to foster your self-awareness. Because my practice is person centered, I listen as closely as I can to you, reflect what I hear, and offer a trained perspective that can be helpful. We both work hard, and we both take responsibility for the work. I may make mistakes sometimes, but I also offer compassion, laughter, challenge, ideas and the willingness to walk through the fire with you. Psychotherapy is a courageous endeavor, and you will likely feel affirmed, mad, scared, excited, overwhelmed, sad and relieved at various points in your process.
I believe that you have everything you need to feel centered in your life. In my work, I have found that people suffer the most when they feel shame. Good therapy is not an effort to eradicate “bad” parts of yourself but instead to embrace your strength and vulnerability, your certainty and confusion, your emotions and intellect. The more you are able to sit with any aspect of yourself, the more information you have to make choices that feel right for you. Because this approach is inclusive and accepting, many people experience a greater sense of personal freedom, intimacy and creativity over time.
I work with individual adults. Issues I often address with people include:
- Depression and social anxiety
- Perfectionism, overachievement, control, workaholism
- Singlehood/couplehood/family dynamics
- Mother/daughter issues
- Life transitions (new job/job loss, move, engagement, divorce/breakup, etc.)
- Personal identity, existential questions (“Who am I? Why am I here?”)
Contact Dr. Applebaum today to schedule an appointment.